UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava has re-signed with the Bruins for the 2026 season, boosting the program’s plans at the most important position as it transitions into a new era, according to On3.
Iamaleava finished his first season at UCLA Bruins with 1,928 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. His arrival in Westwood last offseason generated significant attention after he transferred from Tennessee, where he helped the Vols reach the College Football Playoff. The contract talks between Iamaleava and UCLA had reportedly stalled, before the sides reached a new agreement.
With Iamaleava now committed, UCLA can focus on building its roster around its QB1. The Bruins will look for improved production in 2026 after Iamaleava’s numbers dipped from his 2024 season at Tennessee, when he threw for 2,616 yards, 19 touchdowns and five interceptions.
A former five-star recruit in the 2023 class, Iamaleava was rated the No. 6 overall prospect and the top player from California, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings.
UCLA finished 3-9 in 2025, a season that included an upset of then–top-10 Penn State Nittany Lions and the midseason firing of coach DeShaun Foster. The Bruins later hired Bob Chesney away from James Madison.
Now paired with one of the best up and coming coaches, Iamaleava will aim to help reverse a program that has reached only two bowl games in the past eight seasons.
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